Waymo self-driving cars begin testing in New York

Alphabet’s autonomous development subsidiary, Waymo, is conducting public road tests of self-driving vehicles in warm, hot areas like San Francisco in the middle of the desert and Phoenix, Arizona. However, on November 4, testing began in New York City.

The Waymo self-driving car doesn’t immediately transport ordinary passengers because it initially maps the road and learns about the traffic environment. The main purpose of this test is to learn about New York. Autonomous AI provides an opportunity to learn how to drive on icy roads in case of rain or snow.

Areas to be tested include parts of New Jersey south of Central Park on Manhattan Island, the financial district and beyond the Lincoln Tunnel. Waymo said getting a New York City travel permit was fueled by a welcome response from local politicians, regulators, industry and nonprofits. But New York City is protecting the taxi industry and ride-sharing is in place. It could take some time for self-driving services like Waymo One to penetrate and carry out commercial driving. Related information can be found here.